Chitosan-Based Functional Films Integrated with Magnolol: Characterization, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity and Pork Preservation.

The aims of this study were to develop the magnolol-chitosan films and study the positive effect of the combination of magnolol and chitosan. The addition of magnolol made the magnolol-chitosan films exhibit higher density (1.06-1.87 g/cm3), but the relatively lower water vapor permeability (12.06-7.36 × 10-11·g·m-1·s-1·Pa-1) and water content (16.10-10.64%). The dense and smooth surface and cross-section of magnolol-chitosan films were observed by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) images. The interaction of magnolol and chitosan was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). After the addition of magnolol, the antioxidant capacity of magnolol-chitosan films was increased from 18.99 to 82.00%, the growth of P. aeruginosa was inhibited and the inhibition percentage of biofilm formation was increased from 30.89 to 86.04%. We further verified that the application of magnolol-chitosan films on chilled pork significantly reduced the increases in pH value, inhibited the growth of microorganisms and extended the shelf life. Results suggest that magnolol had a positive effect on magnolol-chitosan films and could be effectively applied to pork preservation.

Metabolism, Transport and Drug-Drug Interactions of Silymarin.

Silymarin, the extract of milk thistle, and its major active flavonolignan silybin, are common products widely used in the phytotherapy of liver diseases. They also have promising effects in protecting the pancreas, kidney, myocardium, and the central nervous system. However, inconsistent results are noted in the different clinical studies due to the low bioavailability of silymarin. Extensive studies were conducted to explore the metabolism and transport of silymarin/silybin as well as the impact of its consumption on the pharmacokinetics of other clinical drugs. Here, we aimed to summarize and highlight the current knowledge of the metabolism and transport of silymarin. It was concluded that the major efflux transporters of silybin are multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP2) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) based on results from the transporter-overexpressing cell lines and MRP2-deficient (TR-) rats. Nevertheless, compounds that inhibit the efflux transporters MRP2 and BCRP can enhance the absorption and activity of silybin. Although silymarin does inhibit certain drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, such effects are unlikely to manifest in clinical settings. Overall, silymarin is a safe and well-tolerated phytomedicine.

Construction of a carbon price benchmark in China-analysis of eight pilot markets.

The fluctuation of the carbon price and its related components can effectively reflect the overall economy. This paper explores the fluctuation of the carbon price and its influencing factors. First, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method is used to decompose the carbon price series of eight pilot projects at multiple timescales. Second, according to the historical trading records in the eight pilot projects, this paper constructs a national carbon price under a variety of scenarios. Finally, based on the average of the eight pilot market daily trading datasets, the national carbon price is constructed, and a short-term prediction is made. The results show that: (1) the pilot projects in Beijing and Hubei are susceptible to short-term external factors, and Beijing's pilot internal market mechanism has a large impact on the carbon price; (2) in most scenarios, the national price fluctuates, with the highest carbon price approaching 70 CNY/tCO2 and the lowest falling below 10 CNY/tCO2; and (3) China's carbon price is still has ample room to rise in the future. This paper provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the prediction of carbon prices in China.